WASHINGTON — Gov. Pat Quinn came to this tornado-ravaged city Tuesday to urge victims of the Nov. 17 twister to register for federal disaster grants and low-interest loans by the Jan. 27 deadline.

But Quinn’s news conference dissolved into a town hall meeting shortly after the governor signed a bill authorizing spending $5.9 million to fulfill the state’s cost-sharing obligation for federal assistance provided in response to spring flooding.

Tornado victims and advocates who heard about the news conference through Facebook postings and phone calls about an hour before it started joined print, television and radio media and area officials in a banquet room at Five Points Washington.

When Quinn, who was wearing a “Washington Strong” orange bracelet on his left wrist, asked for questions from the media, he instead heard from April Crotts and Tara Denham.

Crotts is a fourth-generation Washington resident and spokeswoman for a grass-roots, Facebook-driven advocacy group that is trying to cut through red tape to help tornado victims.

“The safety nets we thought would be there aren’t there,” she said. “We’ve done all we can to get help, and we’re tired.”

Denham is the property manager for Georgetown Commons Apartments, where many residents have been unable to retrieve their belongings from the fenced-in complex and denied assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Crotts had a brief, private conversation with Quinn, who took notes. Shortly after their meeting, a member of the governor’s staff contacted Crotts and discussed her concerns.

Speaking to media members after her talk with Quinn, Crotts said the Red Cross, FEMA and insurance companies haven’t provided enough help to victims, so it has been up to volunteers, community organizations and churches to shoulder the burden.

“The Red Cross did what it does best. Emergency assistance. But we’re not in that phase anymore. We’re in recovery,” she said.

“Insurance hasn’t been the answer, either. How far does $1,500 for debris removal go when you have the debris of three houses in your yard?

“People need help now for everything in their lives. We’ve paid for hotel rooms, and even paid the bill for someone whose pet had to be euthanized.”

Crotts said solving victims’ problems requires a joint effort.

“We need to work together and be more efficient, and communication must improve,” she said.

She also said she thinks the deadline for federal assistance should be extended, and an advocacy center needs to be established.

Denham said Georgetown residents are being denied FEMA grants because FEMA needs a damage report the city has from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Page 2 of 2 - Manier said the city doesn’t have an OSHA report, and it’s up to the apartment complex’s owner to get FEMA what it needs.

“The property owner must work with FEMA and the residents so FEMA can get in and take a look of what’s left and not left,” he said.

Manier said he’s been dealing with problems regarding Georgetown since a day or two after the tornado hit.

The city took over the private property briefly — with OSHA’s help — so residents who could safely enter their apartment could get belongings.

“I’m engaged. I answer every phone call,” Manier said. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure these residents get what they need. I’m not turning my back on anyone. I said from Day One I don’t want anyone to move from Washington.”

Steve Stein can be reached at (309) 686-3114 or stevestein21@yahoo.com. Read his Stein Time blog on pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpartanSteve. Nick Vlahos can be reached at (309) 686-3285 or nvlahos@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @VlahosNick.